Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the expectation of those who are under general anesthesia.
The following types of sedation that are offered in our office include the following:
Inhale minimal sedation. You breathe nitrous oxide –otherwise known as “laughing gas”—combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over you nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation. Depending on the total does given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pull is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.
IV moderate sedation. You receive the sedation drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation.
Lastly, regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic—numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth – to relieve pain if the procedure causes my discomfort.